THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
In a major win for the people of Peddem, Camarcazan and Acoi, the long-pending demand for a vehicular underpass at the dangerous Peddem junction on NH-66 has finally been cleared by the Centre “ a move credited to the persistent efforts of Aldona Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira.
Despite being in the opposition, Ferreira played a pivotal role in convincing both State and Central authorities of the urgent need for an underpass or flyover at the accident-prone spot.
“It’s a double engine failure of the previous MLA,” said Ferreira, taking a dig at former BJP legislator Glen Ticlo for not resolving the issue during his two terms in government.
Ferreira congratulated the residents of Peddem, Camarcazan and Acoi for their unity in pursuing the demand and recalled how locals had approached him even before he became an MLA.
Highlighting the importance of the junction that connects residents to schools, colleges and the district hospital, Ferreira revealed that he had opposed a proposal in the Assembly to close the Peddem junction “ a move he said would have led to chaos.
He added that, through coordinated efforts with locals, he secured support from the Chief Minister and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, eventually ensuring the project’s inclusion in the Central Budget.
The underpass, to be built at a cost of ₹33.31 crore, is set to be completed within 540 days.
